Shay Given is keeping his fingers crossed his old mate Alan Shearer can guide Newcastle to survival.

Given quit the Magpies after 11 years' loyal service in January to take up a £6million offer from Manchester City.

But the Republic of Ireland star still keeps a close eye on events at St James' Park and has been in contact with Shearer since his appointment as temporary boss until the end of the season.

Given is adamant if anyone can guide Newcastle away from the relegation nightmare it is Shearer.

He just worries time may eventually run out.

"He should have been brought in earlier to try and get some results," said Given.

"It would be a real tragedy if they got relegated but it is getting very close to the wire.

"The games are running out and the results are not going so well.

"Please God Alan can keep them up and they can start to invest more in the team and have a stronger squad."

After so long on Tyneside, Given cannot just ignore his former club. The passion runs far too deep for that.

Newcastle is the first result he looks for when he comes off the pitch on a weekend. And it will be a tearful occasion for the 32-year-old should the worst eventually unfold.

"It is not easy to divorce myself from Newcastle," he said.

"The last thing I want is to see them get relegated because they have such fantastic supporters.

"I spoke to Alan and dropped him a few texts wishing him luck. If anyone can have an effect and galvanise the club it is him."

As Given had major issues with the way Mike Ashley was running the club, it is no surprise to learn the Donegal-born star does not regret his move to the north-west, even if City's season has slumped alarmingly as well.

"It was a big decision to leave because I had been at Newcastle for such a long time," he said.

"But it was an opportunity to come to a club who hope to take off in the next couple of years.

"Manchester City could have signed any keeper in the world, so I feel lucky that they wanted me."